Mediterranean Journey - Start London, Classic Group
Mediterranean Journey - Start London, Classic Group
Mediterranean Journey - Start London, Classic Group
17 Days Starting in London, England and ending in Rome, Italy
Visiting: London, Paris, Bordeaux, Madrid, Barcelona, Avignon, Nice, Monaco, Florence, Rome
Tour operator:
Tour code:
T915MN26
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on an unforgettable Mediterranean Journey starting in London and concluding in Rome, exploring the rich cultures and iconic landmarks of England, France, Spain, Monaco, Italy, and Vatican City. Travel in comfort aboard a high-speed Eurostar train, and enjoy guided tours of Paris, Bordeaux, San Sebastián, Madrid, Barcelona, Avignon, Nice, Monaco, Pisa, Florence, and Rome. Highlights include a visit to the majestic Château de Chenonceau, a pintxos dinner in San Sebastián, exclusive access to the Basilica of Saint Praxedes in Rome, and a tour of the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel. With luxurious accommodations, delicious local cuisine, and seamless logistics, this tour offers an immersive and hassle-free European adventure.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Welcome To London
Location: London
Accommodation Name: Park Plaza Victoria, London
Welcome to London. After checking into your hotel, the afternoon is free to enjoy a city that is famous for its pomp and pageantry. Perhaps relax with a walk along the Serpentine in Hyde Park or window shop in the elegant boutiques of Knightsbridge? Alternatively, you may want to stroll along the Thames to the iconic Tower Bridge and Tower of London.
Day 2: London To Paris By Eurostar
Location: Paris
Accommodation Name: Marriott Rive Gauche, Paris
Meals Included: Breakfast
Meet your Travel Director and after a warm welcome, transfer to London’s St. Pancras Station to board the high-speed Eurostar. Your comfortable rail journey takes you via the Channel Tunnel to Paris where you can spend the afternoon as you please. During your time in Paris, see the impressive Eiffel Tower, the magnificent Notre-Dame Cathedral and the imposing facades of the Louvre. Discover the banks of the River Seine with its many romantic bridges, see the obelisk in the center of the Place de la Concorde and drive along the Champs Elysées to the Arc de Triomphe. Later, join your Travel Director at a local restaurant in the heart of Paris for a fabulous Welcome Dinner.
Day 3: Paris, The City Of Light
Location: Paris
Accommodation Name: Marriott Rive Gauche, Paris
Meals Included: Breakfast
Your exploration of Paris today begins with an Insight Choice. Choose to explore community life in the picturesque Montorgueil district. Alternatively, join a Local Expert, an avid foodie, as you head into areas where Parisians go about their daily lives to explore small shops and sample local treats and delicacies. With the afternoon free, there are countless opportunities to enjoy the lively atmosphere of this glittering city.
Day 4: Onto Bordeaux
Location: Bordeaux
Accommodation Name: Novotel Gare St Jean, Bordeaux
Meals Included: Breakfast
Head southwards towards Châteaux Country. Take a scenic drive along the Loire Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The region is known as the Jardins de France for the beautifully maintained gardens created on vast estates as outdoor living areas. Visit the majestic Chenonceau Castle, an elegant French château spanning the River Cher. Continue on to the bustling in-land port of Bordeaux with its unique 18th century character.
Day 5: Bordeaux And San Sebastián
Location: Bordeaux
Accommodation Name: Barceló Costa Vasca, San Sebastián
Meals Included: Breakfast
Join a Local Expert for a guided tour of France's best 18th century architecture. The facades of the quaysides, the Grand Théâtre, Triangle d'Or and magnificent Esplanade des Quinconces all contributed to Bordeaux earning inclusion on UNESCO's World Heritage list. Next, continue to picturesque San Sebastián where you will have the chance to dine with the locals in the evening. In small groups, wander through the Old Town for a progressive dinner, as you enjoy the gastronomic Basque tradition of pintxos. Similar to tapas, enjoy a variety of snack-sized treats to make your meal and be sure to try some of the local Txakoli wine.
Day 6: On To Madrid Relaxed Start
Location: Madrid
Accommodation Name: Riu Plaza España, Madrid
Meals Included: Breakfast
Continue through the mountains and gorges of the north and emerge from the tunnel in the Sierra de Guadarrama onto the plateau of New Castile and Spain's elegant capital of Madrid. In the evening, why not see the city lit up it all its glory, with a drive along the grand avenues and past the spectacular fountains?
Day 7: Madrid
Location: Madrid
Accommodation Name: Riu Plaza España, Madrid
Meals Included: Breakfast
Join your Local Expert for a sightseeing tour of the Old Town as well as, along the elegant Paseo de la Castellana and past the fountain in the Plaza de Cibeles. Enjoy sightseeing with your Local Expert, as they guide you through the most historic neighborhoods in the Spanish capital. Your drive continues through the Old Quarter to discover the origins of the city. Visit the Reina Sofía Museum with an art historian to see Picasso's Guernica.
Day 8: Madrid And Beautiful Barcelona
Location: Barcelona
Accommodation Name: Hilton, Barcelona
Meals Included: Breakfast
Cross the Castilian plain, past Zaragoza, and continue to the vibrant port of Barcelona. In the evening, why not try delicious local Catalan cuisine and as night descends, view the city from the heights of Montjuic, with lights sparkling below from the mountains to sea.
Day 9: Barcelona, City Of Gaudi
Location: Barcelona
Accommodation Name: Hilton, Barcelona
Meals Included: Breakfast
Join your Local Expert to explore the heart of the Gothic Quarter. See the cathedral and walk through the Roman gate to tour the narrow lanes and old squares. Travel by the Ramblas and along the Passeig de Gràcia. Continue through the Eixample district to see Gaudi’s extraordinary masterpiece, the mesmerizing Sagrada Família.
Day 10: Avignon, The City Of Popes
Location: Avignon
Accommodation Name: Novotel Center, Avignon
Meals Included: Breakfast
Journey to Avignon to see the famous Pont d'Avignon, once spanning the Rhône and immortalized in songs. Walk within the medieval narrow streets of the Old Town to stand in the shadow of the old Palais des Papes, resembling a fortress. Learn about olive oil and enjoy a tasting of the freshest produce. After, indulge in a Farm-to-Table dinner, a delicious insight into traditional French home-style cuisine.
Day 11: On The Shores Of Nice
Location: Nice
Accommodation Name: Apollinaire, Nice
Meals Included: Breakfast
Journey along the French Riviera to the elegant town of Nice, where the rest of the day is at your leisure to stroll along the fabled Promenade des Anglais or relax on the beach.
Day 12: Monaco And Pisa
Location: Monaco
Accommodation Name: NH Firenze, Florence
Meals Included: Breakfast
Travel to Monaco where you are driven along part of the Grand Prix circuit, before walking with your Travel Director through the old town. See the Royal Palace where the Grimaldi family live, the yacht-filled harbor and visit the cathedral, housing the tombs of the late Prince Rainier and Princess Grace. Cross into Italy and follow the arc of the Italian Riviera before arriving in Pisa. In the Square of Miracles, stop to see the incredible Leaning Tower of Pisa with a Local Expert, from which Galileo is said to have conducted experiments on velocity and gravity. Also see the splendid 11th century cathedral and baptistery, decorated with mosaics and designs in solid marble.
Day 13: Florence Sightseeing Relaxed Start
Location: Florence
Accommodation Name: NH Firenze, Florence
Meals Included: Breakfast
Walk with your Local Expert to the marble-clad cathedral and baptistery, where Ghiberti’s Gates of Paradise have been recreated in all their glory. The next stop is Piazza della Signoria, still the political heart of Florence and an open-air gallery of Renaissance masterpieces. Spend time gazing at statues such as Neptune and David along the front of the Palazzo Vecchio. The area around Santa Croce Basilica is famous for the quality of its luxury goods of gold and leather and there's free time to shop or continue exploring.
Day 14: The Eternal City Of Rome
Location: Rome
Accommodation Name: Radisson Blu GHR, Rome
Meals Included: Breakfast
Relax and enjoy the grand landscapes of the Chianti hills and Umbria, before passing the Apennine Mountains to arrive at the Eternal City, filled with classic antiquities, medieval buildings, Renaissance palaces and Baroque churches. In the evening, what better way to toast the culmination of your Mediterranean journey, than with delicious Italian cuisine and wine.
Day 15: Exploring Papal Rome
Location: Rome
Accommodation Name: Radisson Blu GHR, Rome
Meals Included: Breakfast
A Local Expert introduces the grandeur of the city, starting with the Vatican State, the richest community on the world. Visit the Vatican Museums, full of priceless treasures collected by the Popes. Once inside the Sistine Chapel, admire Michelangelo's famous ceiling. Next door, visit St. Peter’s Basilica to admire Michelangelo's emotive 'Pieta' and see Bernini's intricately carved Papal Altar. The afternoon is yours to shop in the trendy boutiques or relax at a sidewalk cafe before an exclusive after-hours visit to the Basilica of Saint Praxedes.
Day 16: Rome At Leisure Relaxed Start
Location: Rome
Accommodation Name: Radisson Blu GHR, Rome
Meals Included: Breakfast
The day is yours to enjoy Rome at your own pace. Perhaps take an optional experience to the ill-fated town of Pompeii, frozen in time when it was engulfed by an eruption of Vesuvius in 79 AD. Alternatively, spend some time in the boutiques of the Via del Corso, the Via Nazionale or the elegant designer stores near the Spanish Steps? As night falls, why not sip on prosecco at a sidewalk cafe in Piazza Navona - the Living Room of Rome - and enjoy life's pageantry pass by?
Day 17: Arrivederci Roma
Location: Rome
Meals Included: Breakfast
Bid farewell to the glories of Italy.
What's Included
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Meals
16 Breakfasts and 4 Dinners with Wine are included.
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Activities
Choose between two carefully selected activities in Paris.
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Local Expert Commentary
Personal radio headsets are provided to give you the freedom to wander during visits to famous highlights without missing any of your Local Expert's fascinating commentary.
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Hotel and Restaurant Tips
Hotel and restaurant tips are included, so you won't have to worry about how much to give or search for foreign currency.
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Baggage Handling
Your bags will be carried for you and promptly delivered to your hotel door.
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Insight Flourish
From time to time, your Travel Director will delight you with an Insight Flourish, which is a local specialty representing the destination.
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Wi-Fi
Stay connected with friends and family with complimentary coach and hotel Wi-Fi (where available).
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Transfers
If your arrival and/or departure flights are as per the itinerary start and end dates, then transfers are available at scheduled times.
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Luxury Coach
Enjoy the comfort of Insight's luxurious, air-conditioned, 40-seat coach with double the standard legroom and onboard washroom.
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Hand Sanitizer
Hand sanitizer is freely available on board for you to use throughout the day.
What's Not Included
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Flights
Flights to and from the starting and ending locations are not included.
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Optional Experiences
Optional experiences such as a visit to Pompeii are not included.
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Personal Expenses
Personal expenses such as shopping, additional meals, and drinks are not included.
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Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is not included and is recommended to be purchased separately.
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Additional Transfers
Transfers outside the scheduled times or for additional nights' accommodation are not included.
Mode of Transport
Travel in style with Insight's luxurious, air-conditioned, 40-seat coach featuring double the standard legroom and onboard washroom. Enjoy a high-speed Eurostar train journey from London to Paris and seamless transfers throughout the tour.
Accommodation
Stay in comfort at a variety of well-appointed hotels including Park Plaza Victoria in London, Marriott Rive Gauche in Paris, Novotel Gare St Jean in Bordeaux, Barceló Costa Vasca in San Sebastián, Riu Plaza España in Madrid, Hilton in Barcelona, Novotel Center in Avignon, Apollinaire in Nice, NH Firenze in Florence, and Radisson Blu GHR in Rome.
Check out our Q&As
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What kind of activities can I choose from in Paris?
In Paris, you can choose to explore community life in the picturesque Montorgueil district or join a Local Expert, an avid foodie, to explore small shops and sample local treats and delicacies.
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What unique experiences are included in the tour of Rome?
In Rome, you will visit the Vatican Museums, the Sistine Chapel, and St. Peter's Basilica. Additionally, you will have an exclusive after-hours visit to the Basilica of Saint Praxedes, which houses the world's best-preserved Byzantine mosaics.
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What is the dining experience like in San Sebastián?
In San Sebastián, you will have the chance to dine with locals in the evening. You will enjoy a progressive dinner through the Old Town, experiencing the Basque tradition of pintxos, which are snack-sized treats similar to tapas, along with local Txakoli wine.
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What can I expect during the visit to Avignon?
In Avignon, you will see the famous Pont d'Avignon and walk through the medieval narrow streets of the Old Town to the Palais des Papes. You will also learn about olive oil and enjoy a tasting of the freshest produce, followed by a Farm-to-Table dinner featuring traditional French home-style cuisine.
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What are some highlights of the tour in Florence?
In Florence, you will visit the marble-clad cathedral and baptistery, see Ghiberti's Gates of Paradise, and explore Piazza della Signoria. You will also have free time to shop or continue exploring the area around Santa Croce Basilica, known for its luxury goods.
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What kind of transportation is provided during the tour?
The tour includes travel on Insight's luxurious, air-conditioned, 40-seat coach with double the standard legroom and an onboard washroom. The coaches are sanitized before the start of the tour and maintained to high standards, with physical distancing measures implemented.
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Are hotel and restaurant tips included in the tour package?
Yes, hotel and restaurant tips are included in the tour package, so you won't have to worry about how much to give or search for foreign currency. All taxes and porterage charges at hotels are also included.
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Is Wi-Fi available during the tour?
Yes, complimentary Wi-Fi is available on the coach and in hotels where available, allowing you to stay connected with friends and family.
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What is the luggage handling service like on this tour?
The tour includes luggage handling services where your bags are carried for you and promptly delivered to your hotel door.
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What kind of special experiences can I expect from the Travel Director?
From time to time, your Travel Director will delight you with an Insight Flourish, which is a local specialty representing the destination.
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Can I join the tour once it has departed?
We regret that no refunds can be made for absences from a tour, including experiences such as missed meals or sightseeing.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Since 1978.
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
Insight Vacations is a founding member of the TreadRight Foundation, a joint initiative created by the brands within The Travel Corporation (TTC) almost 15 years ago to ensure our impact through tourism is positive. Our ethos to #MakeTravelMatter guides our decision-making at every level of our business.
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
You have two options as a solo traveller. Either choose to be matched with a same sex partner for a room share - at no extra cost. Or choose a room of your own with a reduced or even free private room upgrade on select tours.
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Please contact us for latest COVID-19 policies
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Low Deposit
Insight Vacations requires a minimum deposit of 350 USD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 90 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of insight vacations charges.
Up to 91 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 90 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 29 days before tour starts: Forfeit 80% of booking price.
At 1 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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